2023 Draft Big Boards, Position Rankings & Mocks

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mcnuttz

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Damn, to have a David Irving on the field with Micah.
 

fortsbest

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IN watching film, I'd be really good with this kid at 26. Him, opposite Micah.....
 

Cowboysrock55

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IN watching film, I'd be really good with this kid at 26. Him, opposite Micah.....
Pass, I don't think there is a LBer that I would take in the first. And if there is one, maybe Drew Sanders. I do really like Jack Cambell as a fit to replace LVE though. Just prefer it more in the third round.
 

boozeman

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Pass, I don't think there is a LBer that I would take in the first. And if there is one, maybe Drew Sanders. I do really like Jack Cambell as a fit to replace LVE though. Just prefer it more in the third round.
Yeah, I would be more comfortable with Campbell in that range versus Sanders in the first.
 

Cowboysrock55

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I kinda don’t. A good OL and a good QB are the best things you can have besides a pass rush.
Yeah, I mean a dominant offensive line just has a way of making everything else on offense look good. Makes your RB look good. Makes your QB look good. The extra time and space for your QB makes receivers look better.

So yeah, I'll never complain with an exceptional offensive line pick. And I trust this team if they take a guy early on the Oline.
 

Simpleton

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Yeah, I mean a dominant offensive line just has a way of making everything else on offense look good. Makes your RB look good. Makes your QB look good. The extra time and space for your QB makes receivers look better.

So yeah, I'll never complain with an exceptional offensive line pick. And I trust this team if they take a guy early on the Oline.
After the Tyler Smith pick you can basically take any OL pick in the 1st to the bank.
 

Smitty

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After the Tyler Smith pick you can basically take any OL pick in the 1st to the bank.
We have quite a solid history of OL selections in the first round.

Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick, Zach Martin, Tyler Smith.

It's the second/third that's been questionable - Connor Williams and Connor McGovern.

Conversely we've been seemingly better in the 2nd and 3rd rounds with DL and DB.

Given the massive importance of the OL, again, I'd say in this day and age of offense, good OL trumps good DL, so having a good OL is the most important thing besides QB. Take another first round OL then.
 

Cowboysrock55

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It's the second/third that's been questionable - Connor Williams and Connor McGovern.
Even at that they have been solid NFL lineman. And then you get guys like Biadasz and Steele who become very good starters.
 

Cowboysrock55

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NFL mock draft 2023: Trades push Panthers, Jets up for QBs in the top 10
Diante Lee
Feb 8, 2023
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As final preparations begin before the NFL combine later this month, let’s take stock of how the 2023 NFL Draft’s first round might shake out. A couple of parameters for this mock draft:
  • To avoid falling too deep into the rabbit hole, the only trades projected here will be initiated by teams seeking quarterbacks.
  • For top-10 picks being dealt, the expected baseline return is a 2023 first-round pick and a choice of either a 2024 first-rounder or a pair of Day 2 picks, spread over ’23 and ’24.
As a reminder, there are only 31 picks in the first round this year, after the Dolphins forfeited their selection.
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(*Pick acquired in a projected trade within this mock draft)
Round 1
1. Chicago Bears: Will Anderson Jr., Edge, Alabama
Short of a Godfather offer — I’ll guess the starting price would be two first-rounders and a pair of Day 2 picks — Chicago would be at peace taking the best player. There’s going to be pressure for QB-needy franchises not to be last in line, but if Chicago trades down, it will want to stay in range to leave the first round with a surefire playmaker.
Will Anderson Jr. fits that description in spades, even if it means the Bears staying put. It’s hard to conceive of a college player’s “down” year resulting in a combined 27 tackles for loss and sacks, but Anderson’s 2021 season set an impossible bar. The edge rusher is one of the most productive defensive players in NCAA history and will blow up the combine. He also has a relentless motor, which will help set his floor at “productive professional” and his ceiling at “perennial All-Pro.”
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2. Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
Houston should plan to get a quarterback early, then take the best playmaker available with its other first-round pick. And C.J. Stroud is the best quarterback in this class. His one-game sample against Georgia was a perfect capstone to Stroud’s college career, as he was consistently efficient with the ball, made wise decisions and was poised enough to stay in the pocket and deliver the ball on time with accuracy.
Stroud is more steady than explosive, but he’ll have the consistency needed to begin building up the Texans’ offense (which is probably a year away from being a year away, no matter what happens in DeMeco Ryans’ first offseason as head coach). If Stroud hits and the infrastructure is built properly around him, he can be this franchise’s Matt Ryan.
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3. Carolina Panthers (via Arizona): Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida*
With the first quarterback off the board and multiple teams ahead of them desperate to find their franchise guy, the Panthers open the Frank Reich era with a splash, trading up and taking a major swing on the biggest lottery ticket in the draft.
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Anthony Richardson’s tape doesn’t make him the cleanest QB prospect to evaluate, but he’s more polished than his reputation lets on. His footwork and feel in the pocket indicate comfort in chaos, which is impressive given how easy it would be for him to tuck and run at the first sign of trouble. He has some off-target throws but not as many awful decisions, and his dynamic ability to create offense would give Carolina the juice to establish a new offensive identity.


4. Indianapolis Colts: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
If I had to pick a team most likely to trade up to No. 1, it’d be the Colts. No matter what happens with Indianapolis’ coaching search, this team isn’t leaving the offseason with another veteran retread at quarterback.
Here, they take Will Levis, who — when he has had the right supporting cast around him — has played just as well as any quarterback in this class. The Colts’ running backs and receiving corps are interesting, but for Levis to maximize those pieces and help out his offensive line, the Colts would have to allow him to do something Kentucky wouldn’t: use his legs. If we see more of Levis’ athletic potential, the tools are all there.
5. Seattle Seahawks (via Denver): Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
This would be a dream for the Seahawks. The combination of Arizona’s trade down and an early QB run here allows them to add the draft’s second-best player to a rebuilding defense. The Seahawks gave up the seventh-worst yards per carry average and the eight-worst rushing DVOA in the NFL this season, and they didn’t blitz very often to counteract that — meaning the players up the middle have to fix this defense’s run fits.
Jalen Carter could make the Seahawks’ transition to the 3-4 much smoother than it was in 2022. He can line up at nose or defensive tackle, is strong enough to anchor against double teams and explosive enough to disrupt outside zone or downhill gap scheme runs. The added value Carter can bring as an interior rusher would make it less about drafting a DT here and more about getting the best physical freak a team’s draft resources can afford.
6. New York Jets (via Detroit/L.A. Rams): Bryce Young, QB, Alabama*
Another big trade, with the Jets ensuring that they’re not left out in the cold in the quarterback sweepstakes. After the Zach Wilson saga in 2022, Jets coach Robert Saleh needs an immediate answer to fix an offense that has yet to look promising during his tenure.
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Bryce Young is the quarterback the Jets were convinced Wilson was. He escapes pressure, keeps his eyes downfield and makes every throw. In spite of his size — which I expect to be a major talking point when the measurements are official — Young stands tall in the pocket and accepts that he will need to take hits. If the Jets’ offensive line were to stay upright and give Young time to throw, their passing game could take a leap in 2023.
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7. Las Vegas Raiders: Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern
The Raiders end up last among the teams most desperate for a quarterback, so they shift their attention here and take the lineman with the best tape in this class. Peter Skoronski is the draft’s top pass protector and can move well enough to execute any run-blocking scheme. There will be concerns about his arm length — and there’s some merit to them — but there should be no conversation about his position. Skoronski is a talented tackle, and I want to see him someplace that will feature his abilities.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Tyree Wilson, Edge, Texas Tech
Under new defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, the structure of the Falcons’ scheme likely will change to reflect that of the Saints. One of the calling cards of Dennis Allen’s 4-3 defensive system is using huge bodies up front to keep the second-level players clean. This draft is good for that, and Tyree Wilson fits the mold of what Nielsen might need. Wilson is still a little raw as a pass rusher, but he plays like a tank and his ability to crush the pocket inside or on the edge would make him a perfect fit next to Grady Jarrett.


9. Arizona Cardinals (via Carolina): Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State*
With Monti Ossenfort in place as the general manager, it’s time for this franchise to get serious about drafting premium-position players. Arizona can go in almost any direction here: edge rusher, OT, cornerback. But there’s a major drop in O-line talent after the top tier, so Paris Johnson Jr. is a good starting point. He has the physical tools to thrive at the next level, as well as experience playing multiple positions up front and the kind of high-level athleticism you’d seek in a potential star tackle.
10. Philadelphia Eagles (via New Orleans): Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
This pick is icing on the cake for a Philadelphia team that has seemed to do everything right from last spring on.
The play of cornerback James Bradberry probably makes him too expensive to keep around, but Kelee Ringo could fit right into the space Bradberry would leave behind. Ringo is built like a strong safety of decades prior at 200-plus pounds and 6-foot-2, his speed scores will be at or near the top of his position group and he’s every bit the press corner you’d want in today’s league. Philadelphia could use him on bigger bodies and leave Darius Slay to deal with the shiftier outside receivers.
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11. Tennessee Titans: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
New GM Ran Carthon served as San Francisco’s director of player personnel (and then director of pro personnel) from Day 1 of the Kyle Shanahan-John Lynch regime, so it stands to reason that bolstering the Titans’ trenches will be his priority. And Tennessee’s situation at tackle is on rocky ground. Slotting in Broderick Jones would give the Titans a contingency in case Taylor Lewan is let go, and Jones would have the potential to serve as another decade-long anchor in Nashville. His power fits perfectly into what the Titans do with the run game, and their scheme would protect him as he develops his technique in protection.
12. Houston Texans (via Cleveland): Myles Murphy, Edge, Clemson
Franchise cornerstones are lacking in Houston. With this pick, though, they add Myles Murphy — the edge rusher Ryans’ scheme needs to reach its peak — to a QB of the future (Stroud) and promising 2022 draft pick Derek Stingley Jr., whose play prior to injury indicated that he should be a big hit. Judging by his get-off, Murphy might have the best weight-adjusted 10-yard split in this entire draft class. He’s not the bendiest edge rusher, so don’t expect a crazy three-cone time, but he does convert his speed to power and has the wingspan to crush the pocket and win angles with long-arm rush moves.
13. Detroit Lions (via N.Y. Jets): Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon*
Detroit’s trade down doesn’t cost them a chance to address a defense that gave up too many explosive plays. If defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is committed to playing man coverage in his scheme, then he needs (obviously) man-coverage defenders. Christian Gonzalez is exactly that. Fluid in his feet and hips, with enough speed to recover and the ball skills to compete at the catch point, Gonzalez would form a strong pair with Jeff Okudah. The Oregon product also could play in the slot when needed.
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14. New England Patriots: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
The Patriots are starved for explosiveness and efficiency in the passing game, having ranked just outside the bottom 10 in EPA per dropback this season. Quentin Johnston would be an instant shot in the arm. He doesn’t always use his 6-foot-3 frame to bully defensive backs, but he’s a smooth mover with a wide catch radius and the athletic traits to turn any reception into an explosive gain. Having Johnston to stretch the field could keep defenses from blitzing QB Mac Jones or sitting in man coverage all game.
15. Green Bay Packers: Brian Branch, S, Alabama
Maybe the best off-ball defensive player in the class, Brian Branch could step right in and be effective anywhere the Packers need him. Branch played primarily in the slot for Nick Saban, but Alabama’s defense was built to utilize his versatility, dropping him deep against motions, fitting the run and using a full menu of coverages.
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Green Bay likes to play quarters and man. Executing that requires defenders with complete skill sets, and Branch fits the mold.


16. Washington Commanders: Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
Washington can pick the best player available and feel good about it, but linebacker is a definite need. Trenton Simpson is another Clemson linebacker with elite speed, and the Tigers used him similarly to Isaiah Simmons (short of lining him up as a deep safety). Simpson was the best tackler, blitzer and slot defender Clemson had, and his range will help him solve problems as he focuses on a more specific role at the next level.
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17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
It was serendipity that the Steelers could make a legacy pick at a position of need, and I couldn’t pass on an opportunity to put another Joey Porter in black and gold. Joey Porter Jr. has a well-rounded game in press and off coverage, is a willing tackler and is aggressive at the catch point (although he had just one career interception). We’ll see what his 40 time is at the combine, but I’m confident he will be a success no matter where he lands.
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18. Detroit Lions: Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson
Given how its offense performed in 2022 (and with Jameson Williams healthy again), Detroit can go all-in on addressing its defense. Bryan Bresee would give the Lions a needed presence on the interior. He battled injuries in his college career, but his power is clear on tape. He can play nose or defensive tackle, and there’s still potential to unlock as a pass rusher.


19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
The NFL will be eyeing the Buccaneers’ next moves after Tom Brady’s retirement. No matter what happens at QB, though, Tampa Bay could use more talent on the defensive perimeter, and Cam Smith has the size and play style to fit what Todd Bowles likes. Smith’s solid tackling ability means that he can play in the slot or outside. He has great feel for what offenses are trying to do, and he attacks the ball at every opportunity.
20. Seattle Seahawks: Nolan Smith, Edge, Georgia
Much like Detroit, Seattle needs guys who can stop the run and get to the quarterback. Reuniting Nolan Smith with Carter, his Georgia teammate, would accomplish exactly that. Smith may have the highest motor of any player in this draft. If he can run at the combine or his pro day, expect a number in the 4.4s. And don’t let his sub-250-pound frame fool you: As a run defender, he’s as tough as they come.
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21. Los Angeles Chargers: Jordan Addison, WR, USC
The Chargers absolutely have to do something about their lack of speed on offense, and Addison falling into their laps would be a godsend. If Keenan Allen becomes a cap casualty, having a player such as Addison would make it a soft landing. Addison can play in the slot or outside, moves smoothly as a route runner, makes every kind of catch and has 4.4 speed. He does struggle against press coverage, but there are plenty of ways to use Addison that don’t require him winning against elite outside corners.
22. Baltimore Ravens: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
Ideally, the Ravens could get a player like Addison to attack downfield off of play-action. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, though, would give them someone who can thrive in the intermediate areas of the field alongside tight end Mark Andrews. Smith-Njigba has good hands, is comfortable in the slot and adept at finding soft spaces in coverage. Where he’s at medically will make all the difference in his stock.


23. Minnesota Vikings: Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah
Clark Phillips III is a bit on the smaller side in comparison to the other top corners in this class, but Minnesota must improve its coverage defenders. Also, Phillips is a competitive guy and doesn’t back off because of physical disadvantages. He’s a fluid mover, makes plays at the catch point and tackles well for his weight. Minnesota also might consider a player such a Baylor DT Siaki Ika here.
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24. Jacksonville Jaguars: O’Cyrus Torrence, OL, Florida
After Jacksonville brought on coach Doug Pederson, it spent big money on perimeter playmakers, drafted a handful of defensive front seven guys and dropped some veterans around them. Expect the Jaguars to focus some energy this offseason on its offensive line to balance out the threat of run and pass and keep Trevor Lawrence clean.
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O’Cyrus Torrence is a mean blocker on the interior. If he’s half of a double team, the defensive tackle will be moved. Torrence can clean up his feet in pass protection, but his punch is good and he’s sound in building pockets for his QB.


25. New York Giants: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
The Giants’ offense just didn’t have enough to counterpunch when opponents knew how to take away their best options. Improving at tight end would be an easy fix for Brian Daboll, and Michael Mayer could be a big-body threat underneath and in intermediate areas. Mayer is not exactly in the mold of the uber-athlete, first-round tight ends we see more often now, but he’s still fast and agile enough to create mismatches. If he eventually becomes a plus blocker, it would unlock even more of Daboll’s run-first attack.
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26. Dallas Cowboys: Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
Jalin Hyatt could be the vertical threat the Cowboys lost when they traded Amari Cooper last offseason. Hyatt is going to run one of the best times at the combine, and he’s a scary player at top speed. There’s plenty of potential to glean from his skill set as a complete route runner, too. The best version of Hyatt would pair comfortably with CeeDee Lamb as a 1-2 punch for Dak Prescott.
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27. Buffalo Bills: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
Bills fans were understandably frustrated with OC Ken Dorsey for not getting as much out of Josh Allen as they’d hoped. Now coach Sean McDermott must avoid the cliff Cam Newton once hit after carrying so much of the offensive load in Carolina.
That in mind, Buffalo’s running game has to improve, and Bijan Robinson is the kind of back that can create offense when the blocking isn’t perfect. Robinson is arguably the best offensive prospect in this class, and what he can do as a receiver gives him multidimensional value.


28. Cincinnati Bengals: Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M
Cincinnati will have a good amount of cap space, but a handful of its veterans are hitting the open market. If the Bengals make the more frugal decision to let a standout like Jessie Bates walk, Antonio Johnson could step in as the type of do-everything defensive back that DC Lou Anarumo has maximized during his time with the Bengals. (That is, assuming Anarumo does not become Arizona’s head coach.)
29. New Orleans Saints (via Denver/SF): Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
New Orleans needs to address its trenches and offensive playmakers this spring. Darnell Washington will enter the league with less than 50 career college receptions, but he has the best catch radius and athletic profile of any tight end in this class. If not for Brock Bowers, Washington would have been force-fed in Georgia’s offense. In the run game, he plays like a legitimate sixth offensive lineman.
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30. Kansas City Chiefs: Lukas Van Ness, Edge, Iowa
The Chiefs will need to sustain their run by finding low-cost veterans and immediate contributors on rookie deals. Lukas Van Ness could fit. He wins more often as a pass rusher from the interior than on the edge, but he has a good motor and rushes with a plan no matter where he’s aligned. Van Ness also would bring value as a run defender. He’d make it even easier for the Chiefs to move Chris Jones around their defensive front.
31. Philadelphia Eagles: Kayshon Boutte, WR, LSU
Philadelphia shouldn’t have much of an immediate need to address here, so this pick may be trade bait for GM Howie Roseman. If the Eagles stand pat, they could try to make their WR room more of an overwhelming strength. Kayshon Boutte is an enigma in this class, because you can see all the potential in the world, but it’s hard to find consistent production.
In Philadelphia, he could comfortably slot in as the third option and use his play strength and toughness after the catch to create an even easier offense for Jalen Hurts to operate on early downs.
 
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